Asia: Extreme weather conditions have gripped Asia, with countries across the region facing devastating consequences from floods and heatwaves.
Scientists have warned that climate change is driving more intense, frequent, and unpredictable events, especially in Asia, which is warming almost twice as fast as the global average, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
In China, persistent downpours have triggered deadly floods across cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. The capital’s mountainous regions saw flash floods kill dozens, including 31 residents in an eldercare home.
Southern provinces, including Guangdong, are battling landslides and viral outbreaks like chikungunya as emergency workers race to clear debris. On August 6, Guangzhou airport canceled or delayed hundreds of flights as rain continued to pound the region.
Meanwhile, Japan has endured its hottest day ever, recording 41.8 degrees Celsius in Isesaki city, Gunma prefecture. The country also experienced its hottest June and July, with 56 heat-related deaths reported between mid-June and the end of July.
Authorities suspended train services due to concerns over rail deformation, and citizens continue to rely heavily on air conditioning. Rainfall of up to 200 mm is expected to bring temporary relief.
South Korea marked a record 22 consecutive ‘tropical nights’ in July, with emergency services receiving a surge in calls related to heatstroke. In response, many workplaces have relaxed dress codes to reduce dependence on air conditioning.
In Vietnam, Hanoi recorded its first August day above 40 degrees Celsius, turning the city into a ‘pan on fire,’ according to a local worker. Pakistan, on the other hand, has reported nearly 300 deaths since June due to rain-related incidents, including more than 100 children. A quarter of schools in Punjab province have been damaged, according to Save the Children.
In India, over 100 people are missing in Uttarakhand after a cloudburst caused flash floods, while Hong Kong received over 350mm of rainfall in a single day, its wettest August day since 1884.
The region has suffered economic losses of over $2 trillion (£1.57 trillion) due to extreme weather events over the past 30 years, according to the annual Climate Risk Index.
MOST READ | Meta cracks down on scams, removes 6.8M WhatsApp accounts
